Marital Agreements

In California, cohabitation agreements are becoming an essential tool for unmarried couples who choose to live together. These legal documents clarify the rights and obligations of each partner regarding property, finances, and other critical aspects of their shared life. A well-crafted cohabitation agreement can protect both parties and minimize the risk of disputes by clearly outlining expectations and responsibilities. The growing need for cohabitation agreements among unmarried couples highlights the importance of proactive legal steps in personal relationships. Besides financial arrangements, these agreements can address issues like non-monetary contributions and…

Spousal support orders — temporary as well as permanent — can be modified in court, but only under certain circumstances. Generally, if you want to change a California spousal support order, you have to show some kind of changed circumstances such as a change in income, marriage of the supported spouse, or change in the supported spouse’s ability to support himself or herself. When courts decide to modify spousal support agreements, they can only modify those agreements for the future, not retroactively. For this reason, you should ask for a…

While every person who is contemplating marriage hopes the marriage will last forever, the reality is that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. Should that happen in your particular case, you want to ensure your financial future is protected even if you feel discussing such things takes away from the romance of your relationship. Insure your future While it can seem as though preparing a prenuptial agreement is the same as assuming the relationship will end, think of it more as a form of insurance. You don’t expect…

A premarital agreement allows you to establish guidelines regarding finances, assets, child support, and spousal support should either you or your spouse divorce or one of you die. California courts often uphold premarital agreements, provided that they conform to California law. California Uniform Premarital Act sets the parameters for premarital agreements. Some of the main legal points premarital agreements can address include: The agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties Premarital agreements can address— Rights and obligations to property acquired by either party at any time and…